When you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:13

It was the end of a long week of pouring rain and the cold weather settling in. I fantasised kicking back in comfortable pyjamas and warm socks, reading a good book and drinking a warm cup of tea. When I got home from work on Friday, I went straight to complete my assignments and cleared my schedule for that evening. The rain poured even more, but a sweet breeze rushed into my room. I smiled, feeling certain God was setting the mood for me.

Once home, my fantasy of a relaxing evening began to come true. I carefully chose which book I would read and which tea to drink. Gathering all the boxes of tea, I lay them on the table. Indecisive about which one to choose, I closed my eyes to pick one and chose a delicious Moroccan mint tea. Satisfied with my decision, I placed all the boxes of tea away and added a lot of sugar to my drink. Once done, I danced my way into my room, set down the tea on my bedside table and hopped into bed, book in hand, and pulled the covers over me. I took a deep breath. After a couple of sips of tea and a few pages read, I fell asleep.

I don’t remember falling asleep, but I was awakened by sugar ants crawling all over my hands and tea spilled on the floor. I sprang out of bed, ran to wash my hands, and brought some paper to wipe up the tea. As I stooped down, I noticed the sugar ants rushing their way into the tea. I shook my head and thought how silly they were for drowning themselves.

Then I thought, Wow, humans are so much like these ants. The Word of God says there will be many trials and temptations we will face. The Bible also says that where our treasure is, there our heart is also. Temptations can become a treasure in our hearts.

Oftentimes when we find ourselves giving in to temptation, it feels sweet in the moment but eventually harms us, sometimes even leading to destruction.

But I am reminded of God’s promise: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whenever I contemplate this promise, I find myself lifting my tear-filled eyes to the Lord, asking for His forgiveness. And, as always, He meets me where I am.

This is the love our Heavenly Father offers us: to pick us up every time and to provide a way out for us. In Christ, we are more than conquerors, able to overcome any temptation.

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